.jpg){kind=link}
An Air India Boeing 777 had to turn back mid-flight over the North Atlantic Ocean after only four out of twelve toilets on board remained operational. The issue arose because passengers attempted to flush various unusual objects down the toilets.
Flights often return to their departure airport due to technical issues, missing permits, or weather conditions. However, the reason behind the forced return of flight AI126 on March 5 was particularly unusual.
The Boeing 777 was en route from Chicago to Delhi and had already been in the air for five hours when the issue became impossible to ignore. According to the Times of India, eight out of twelve toilets were clogged. An investigation revealed that plastic bags, rags, and even clothing items had been flushed down the drains, rendering the toilets inoperable.
Air India stated that the flight initially departed on schedule. About an hour and a half after takeoff, crew members reported the first issues, as some toilets in both business and economy class stopped functioning. As the flight progressed, the situation worsened, with more toilets becoming unusable.
At that point, the Boeing 777 was flying over Greenland. Since European airports were not an option due to night landing restrictions, Air India decided to turn the flight back to Chicago. Upon arrival, passengers were provided with hotel accommodations and alternative travel arrangements.
Although this incident sounds unusual, it is not a first for Air India. The airline has frequently faced clogged toilets on its Boeing 777 flights to North America. The issue has become so persistent that Air India felt compelled to warn passengers via social media, stating: ‘Use the toilets only for their intended purpose.’